Inclusive Gaming Through Brain-Computer Interfaces: The Mind Mastery Experience

Abstract

The gaming industry continues to evolve, yet accessibility barriers persist, affecting 91% of gamers with disabilities. Mind Mastery, a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) game developed in Unity 3D, addresses these challenges by enabling hands-free gameplay through electroencephalography (EEG) signals, gyroscopic head movements, and blink detection. Utilizing the Muse 2 EEG headset, the system reduces hair-related interference and optimizes signal filtering for improved accuracy. EEG data is streamed in real-time via MuseLSL and integrated into Unity 3D using LSL4Unity, ensuring responsive and adaptive gameplay. Players interact through gyroscopic head tilts, blink detection, and concentration-based controls, enabling actions such as jumping, shrinking, growing, and force-falling without traditional input devices.Developed with an emphasis on real-time signal processing and adaptive feedback, Mind Mastery incorporates gyroscopic calibration, blink detection, and dynamic difficulty adjustment to enhance user experience. A usability study with 22 participants demonstrated Mind Mastery's potential while highlighting areas for improvement, including error handling, blink calibration, and increased challenge variability. In response, levels have been refined, and blink calibration and error-handling enhancements are in progress.Future development will integrate advanced motor imagery detection for thought-based commands, alongside an intelligent conversational agent that provides real-time guidance and adaptive feedback based on player performance. Additionally, Mind Mastery will expand to include educational components with gamification elements, where players develop cognitive skills while earning rewards for brain-activity control and completing educational challenges. This educational integration will transform Mind Mastery into a comprehensive tool for cognitive development, valuable in therapeutic and educational settings while maintaining its core mission of breaking traditional barriers in gaming accessibility. By advancing EEG-based interaction and real-time BCI integration, Mind Mastery demonstrates the potential of neurotechnology in fostering inclusivity in interactive experiences.

Keywords: Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), Conversational agent, Educational gaming, Usability testing, Disability inclusion

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006255